EP3079530A1

EP3079530A1 - Electrical appliance for the steam-heating and/or -cooking of food

Info

Publication number: EP3079530A1
Application number: EP14827489.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Laurent Blond
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2013-12-13
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2016-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-10
Also published as: WO2015086990A1; CN104706208B; CN109527979B; EP3079530B1; EP3384814A1; CN104706208A; US20170143152A1; EP3384814B1; CN109527979A; AU2014363244A1; CA2931404A1; FR3014664A1; CA2931404C; CN109363490B; US10499760B2; CN204541738U; AU2014363244B2; DK3079530T3; FR3014664B1; CN109363490A

Abstract

The invention relates to a food cooking and/or heating appliance comprising an enclosure (2) including a reservoir (40) and a cover (20), and a steam production device. According to the invention, the cover (20) is equipped with a steam expansion chamber (3) supplied with steam by the steam production device (1). The steam expansion chamber (3) comprises a containment wall (4) delimiting part of the enclosure (2) and said containment wall (4) can move in relation to the reservoir (40) when the cover (20) closes the enclosure (2).

Description

ELECTRICAL HEATING AND / OR COOKING APPARATUS

FOOD STEAM

The present invention relates to the technical field of appliances for cooking and / or heating food using steam.

The present invention relates more particularly to apparatus in which the contact of food with steam is limited or avoided.

It is known from EP 1 651 084 an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food, comprising an enclosure comprising a receptacle and a lid, and a device for producing steam. The lid is pivotally mounted relative to the receptacle. Such a device is simple to use. However, steam from the steam generating device is injected into the chamber. This provision has the disadvantage of leaching certain foods during cooking and to cause some of the nutrients. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food using steam, which promotes the conservation of vitamins and minerals, as well as the preservation of taste of food.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking and / or heating foods using steam which is simple to use. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food using steam, which allows to cook and / or heat food quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food using steam, which makes it possible to prepare sauces and / or dishes in sauce.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food using steam, wherein successive dishes are facilitated

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food using steam, wherein crushing of food is limited or avoided. These objects are achieved with an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food, having an enclosure comprising a receptacle and a lid, and a steam generating device, since the lid carries a steam-powered vapor expansion chamber. by the steam generating device, the vapor expansion chamber comprises a confinement wall delimiting a portion of the enclosure, and the confinement wall is movable relative to the receptacle when the lid closes the enclosure. The movable confining wall in contact with the vapor present in the vapor expansion chamber can come into contact with the food and heat it by conduction. Heating or braising can thus be obtained. The reduction of the volume of the chamber in favor of the steam expansion chamber allows to heat and / or cook food faster than with an enclosure of fixed dimensions. Sauces and / or dishes in sauce can be more easily made. Leaching of food by steam can be avoided. The device is simple to use and does not require consumables such as disposable cooking bags or the use of reusable cooking bags or reusable cooking bags.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the confinement wall is at least partially made of elastically deformable flexible material. This arrangement makes it easier to adjust the volume of the enclosure to the food present in the receptacle. This arrangement also contributes to improving the performance of heat exchanges between steam and food. Alternatively, the confinement wall may in particular comprise at least one rigid part connected to the cover by a deformable part such as for example an annular bellows surrounding said rigid part. Advantageously then, the confinement wall has a rest position at least partially retracted inside the lid. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain an enclosure of greater volume while maintaining a compact construction. According to an advantageous embodiment, the receptacle carries a removable perforated support and has a juice recovery space arranged below a perforated portion of the perforated support. This arrangement makes it possible to collect cooking juices flowing out of the food.

Advantageously, the lid carries a sealing ring bearing on an upper edge of the receptacle. This arrangement makes it possible to limit heat losses outside the enclosure with a simple construction. Alternatively, a sealing ring may in particular be formed or reported on the receptacle.

Advantageously, the receptacle is carried by a main body. This arrangement simplifies the construction of the device.

Advantageously then, the receptacle is removable relative to the main body. This arrangement simplifies the use of the device.

Advantageously, the lid is mounted movable relative to the main body between a raised position for the introduction of food into the receptacle or the withdrawal of food from the receptacle and a lowered position to cook and / or heat the food arranged in the receptacle. . This arrangement simplifies the construction and use of the device.

Advantageously, the steam production device is arranged in the main body. This arrangement makes it easier to handle the lid. This arrangement also contributes to simplifying the construction of the apparatus.

According to one embodiment, the steam generating device comprises a water reservoir associated with a heating element. Such a construction is particularly economical. Advantageously then, the heating element is surrounded by an annular portion of the bottom of the water tank. This arrangement simplifies the construction of the device. Alternatively, the steam generating device could include a steam generator supplied with water from a water tank by a pump.

Advantageously then, the bottom of the receptacle has an elevated portion extending above the heating element. This arrangement makes it possible to envisage collecting liquid foods, especially cooking juices, in an area of the receptacle not directly exposed to the heat of the steam flow coming from the steam generating device.

Advantageously, the perforated support has a non-perforated portion arranged above the heating element. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid liquid flows on the zone of the receptacle directly exposed to the heat of the steam flow coming from the steam generating device.

Advantageously, the chamber comprises at least one inlet opening communicating with the steam generating device for injecting steam into the chamber. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a faster rise in the temperature of the food present in the enclosure, by injecting steam into the enclosure at the beginning of the heating and / or cooking of the foodstuffs, to saturate them with steam.

Advantageously then, or the inlet openings are arranged in the receptacle. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a particularly simple construction. Advantageously, the containment wall displaced by the steam present in the vapor expansion chamber may occupy at least one position closing the inlet or openings. This arrangement allows to inject steam into the chamber for a limited period, while maintaining a simple construction of the device. Advantageously, the enclosure has at least one discharge opening communicating with the outside of the device. This arrangement makes it possible in particular to expel the air present in the chamber when steam is admitted into the chamber. The expulsion of air from the enclosure also helps to accelerate the heating and / or cooking of food in the enclosure. The expulsion of air, and therefore oxygen, out of the enclosure also helps to limit the oxidation of sensitive nutrients.

Advantageously then, or the discharge openings are arranged in the sealing ring. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a particularly simple construction.

Advantageously, the containment wall displaced by the steam present in the vapor expansion chamber can occupy at least one position closing the evacuation opening or openings. Thus the containment of the enclosure containing the food can be simply obtained by filling the steam expansion chamber, after the expulsion of air. This arrangement simplifies the construction of the device.

Advantageously, the apparatus comprises control means for controlling the steam production of the steam generating device as a function of the vapor pressure prevailing in the vapor expansion chamber. This arrangement makes it possible to limit crushing of foods.

The invention will be better understood from the study of an exemplary embodiment, taken as a non-limiting example, illustrated in Figures 1 to 1 1, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view in partial section of an embodiment of an apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to the invention, wherein the enclosure for receiving foods to cook and / or heat is in closed configuration,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a perforated support used with a receptacle belonging to the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective sectional view of the perforated support and the receptacle illustrated in FIG. 2, with an enlarged portion,

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the enclosure for receiving food to be cooked and / or heated is in an open configuration, the receptacle illustrated in FIGS.

2 and 3 having been withdrawn,

Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4, in which a housing member has been removed to show part of the steam circulation,

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the receptacle illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is in place, showing the injection of vapor into the enclosure,

FIG. 7 is a comparative diagram showing the temperature rise in the chamber, with steam injection and without steam injection; FIG. 8 is a partial rear perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. air evacuation openings,

FIG. 9 is a comparative diagram showing the rise in temperature in the enclosure, with air evacuation and without air evacuation, FIG. 10 is a sectional and elevational view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a confinement wall of the apparatus in the rest configuration,

Figure 1 1 is a sectional and elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, showing the containment wall of the apparatus in working configuration under the action of steam. The apparatus for cooking and / or heating food shown in Figure 1 comprises a steam generator 1 and an enclosure 2 for receiving food to be cooked and / or heated.

The enclosure 2 may have a closed configuration for cooking and / or heating the food, shown in FIG. 1, and an open configuration, shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, in which the food may be set up or withdrawn.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the enclosure 2 is formed between a receptacle 40 and a lid 20. The receptacle 40 is designed to receive food to be cooked and / or heated. Preferably, the receptacle 40 is removable, to allow a table service.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cover 20 is mounted to move on a main body 10. The cover 20 is for example pivotally mounted on the main body 10 along a substantially horizontal axis 21, as shown in FIG. The steam generating device 1 comprises a water reservoir 30 associated with a heating element 31.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the steam production device 1 is arranged below the chamber 2. The steam production device 1 is arranged in the main body 10. The water reservoir 30 is delimited by an annular rib 1 1 formed on a bottom 12 of an inner tank 13 of the main body 10. The heating element 31 is integrated in a heating plate 32. The heating element 31 and the heating plate 32 can belong to a heated bottom used in kettles. The heating element 31 may, for example, have a power of 2000 W. The heating plate 32 is surrounded by the annular rib 11. An annular seal 14 is interposed between the heating plate 32 and the annular rib 11. The heating plate 32 thus forms the major part of the bottom of the water tank 30.

As shown in Figure 2, the receptacle 40 has two handles 41 arranged in opposite manner. The handles 41 are from an upper edge 42 of the receptacle 40. As seen in Figure 6, the handles 41 extend outside the apparatus. The handles 41 extend between the main body 10 and the lid 20. This arrangement facilitates the obtaining of cold handles. As an alternative or in addition, the receptacle 40 and / or the handles 41 may be made of low heat conducting material, for example plastic or stainless steel.

Preferably, the receptacle 40 comprises at least one juice recovery space 45. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the bottom of the receptacle 40 has an elevated portion 43. A peripheral annular groove 44 surrounds the raised portion 43 of the bottom of the receptacle 40 and forms the juice recovery space 45.

As shown in FIG. 1, the receptacle 40 is fitted into the main body 10. The upper edge 42 of the receptacle 40 rests on an internal rim 15 of the main body 10, better visible in FIG. 4. Thus the space between the receptacle 40 and the main body 10 remains confined. The internal rim 15 of the main body 10 is extended by notches 16 provided for the passage of the handles 41 of the receptacle 40. FIG. 2 also shows a perforated support 50 intended to be used with the receptacle 40. As represented in FIG. the receptacle 40 carries the removable perforated support 50. The juice recovery space 45 is arranged below a perforated portion 51 of the perforated support 50.

The perforated support 50 rests on the raised portion 43 of the receptacle 40 and extends above the peripheral annular groove 44. The perforated support 50 comprises a perforated portion 51 arranged above the peripheral annular groove 44 forming the recovery space 45. The perforated support 50 comprises a non-perforated portion 52 arranged above the raised portion 43 of the bottom of the receptacle 40. Thus the juice recovery space 45 is annular and extends around the raised portion 43 of the bottom of the receptacle 40 exposed to the vapor stream from the steam generator 1.

As visible in Figure 1, the receptacle 40 is carried by the main body 10. The receptacle 40 is removably mounted relative to the main body 10. The raised portion 43 of the bottom of the receptacle 40 extends above the heating element 31. Thus the non-perforated portion 52 of the perforated support 50 is arranged above the heating element 31 and the water tank 30.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lid 20 is mounted movably relative to the main body 10 between a raised position for the introduction of food in the receptacle 40 and / or the withdrawal of food from the receptacle 40, illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 and a lowered position for cooking and / or heating food disposed in the receptacle 40, illustrated in Figure 1. The main body 10 comprises for this purpose at least one unlocking member 17 associated with a fastening member (not shown in the figures), provided to come with a retaining member 26 belonging to the cover 20.

The apparatus for cooking and / or heating food comprises a vapor expansion chamber 3 fed with steam by the steam generator 1. The vapor expansion chamber 3 is adjacent to the enclosure 2.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vapor expansion chamber 3 is arranged above the enclosure 2. More particularly, the vapor expansion chamber 3 is arranged in the cover 20. In other words, the lid 20 carries the vapor expansion chamber 3.

The vapor expansion chamber 3 comprises a confinement wall 4 partially delimiting the enclosure 2. The confinement wall 4 is deformable and / or mobile.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the enclosure 2 is partially delimited by the removable receptacle 40.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cover 20 has an outer shell 22 preferably articulated on the main body 10, and a lower shell 23 forming a cavity 24 having a lower opening. The containment wall 4 is carried by the cover 20. The confinement wall 4 is arranged under the lower shell 23 and thus delimits with the lower shell 23 the vapor expansion chamber 3. The confinement wall 4 is arranged above of the receptacle 40. The lid 20 carries a sealing ring 35 bearing on an upper edge 42 of the receptacle 40. Thus the sealing ring 35 belongs to a part of the chamber 2 movable relative to the receptacle 40. The periphery of the confinement wall 4 is inserted between the sealing ring 35 and the cover 20. The enclosure 2 is thus delimited by the receptacle 40, the sealing ring 35 and the confinement wall 4. The confinement wall 4 is movable relative to the receptacle 40 when the lid closes the enclosure 2.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the confinement wall 4 is in the form of a sheet of flexible material that is elastically deformable. The containment wall 4 is advantageously made of FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer, or tetrafluoroethylene-perfluorpropylene), this material has the advantage of being less sensitive to the impregnation of food odors than silicones.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the confinement wall 4 has a rest position at least partially retracted inside the cover 20. Thus, the confinement wall 4 has a rest position at least partially concave with respect to the pregnant 2.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vapor expansion chamber 3 is supplied with steam from the steam generator 1 by at least a first duct 65 formed in the main body 10, connecting a lower portion of the main body 10 below the receptacle 40 at an upper part of the main body 10 outside the inner flange 15 of the main body 10 carrying the receptacle 40, said first duct 65 being connected to a second duct 66 formed in the lid 20, connecting a lower portion of the cover 20 to the outside of the containment wall 4 to an inner face of the cover 20 inside the wall of containment 4, as visible in FIGS. 10 and 11

According to a preferred embodiment, the chamber 2 comprises at least one inlet opening 5 communicating with the steam production device 1 for injecting steam into the chamber 2. Tests illustrated in FIG. rise in temperature in the chamber 2 is faster when steam is admitted into the chamber 2, in the absence of steam admitted into the chamber 2 (to reach 100 ° C, 3 min against 8 min) . The curve 71 represents the temperature evolution in the chamber 2 in the absence of steam. The curve 72 represents an evolution in the chamber 2 when steam is admitted into the chamber 2.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the inlet opening or openings 5 are arranged in the receptacle 40. As shown in FIG. 3, an inlet opening 5 is arranged above the perforated support 50. that visible in Figures 4 and 5, the main body 10 has a lower side opening 60 arranged below the receptacle 40 and an upper side opening 61 arranged opposite the inlet opening 5 arranged in the receptacle 40. The lower side opening 60 is connected to the upper lateral opening 61 by a transfer conduit 62 arranged in the inner wall of the main body 10, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

To avoid washing the food with steam, the inlet opening (s) 5 can be closed off by the confinement wall 4 when the steam expansion chamber 3 is supplied with steam by the steam generator 1. Thus the containment wall 4 displaced by the steam present in the vapor expansion chamber 3 can occupy at least one position closing the inlet opening or openings 5.

Alternatively, the transfer conduit 62 may comprise a solenoid valve 63 for controlling the admission of vapor into the chamber 2 independently of the admission of steam into the vapor expansion chamber 3, such as shown in Figure 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the chamber 2 comprises at least one discharge opening 6 communicating with the outside of the apparatus. Tests illustrated in Figure 9 show that the rise in temperature of the food is faster if the air is expelled from the enclosure 2. The curves 73 and 74 represent the change in temperature in a food when the air is expelled of the enclosure 2. The curves 75 and 76 represent the temperature evolution in a food in the absence of expulsion of the air from the enclosure 2.

To prevent thermal leakage after the air has been expelled from the enclosure 2, the evacuation opening (s) 6 may be closed off by the confinement wall 4 when the vapor expansion chamber 3 is supplied with steam by the steam generator 1. Thus, the confinement wall 4 displaced by the vapor present in the vapor expansion chamber 3 may occupy at least one position closing the evacuation opening (s) 6.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the evacuation opening or openings 6 are formed in the sealing ring 35. FIG. 8 shows two evacuation openings 6 formed in the sealing ring 35 at the level of FIG. the hinge of the lid 20. Figure 10 shows an exhaust opening 6, communicating with the outside of the apparatus. In the configuration of Figure 1 1, the containment wall 4 extends into the receptacle 40 and closes the opening or openings 5 and the discharge or openings 6 (not visible in Figure 1 1) . The perforated support 50 is not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, but can be put in place in the receptacle 40 if desired.

The apparatus comprises control means 7 for controlling the steam production of the steam generating device 1 as a function of the vapor pressure prevailing in the vapor expansion chamber 3. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the control means 7 comprise a low pressure switch measuring the pressure in the vapor expansion chamber 3. The pressure switch is coupled to a contactor for controlling the power supply of the heating element 31. The pressure switch has a high threshold, for example 4 mbar, and a low threshold, for example 2.5 mbar. As long as the pressure in the vapor expansion chamber 3 remains below the high threshold, the heating element 31 is electrically powered. If the pressure in the vapor expansion chamber 3 exceeds the high threshold, the power supply of the heating element 31 is interrupted. The power supply of the heating element 31 remains interrupted as long as the pressure in the vapor expansion chamber 3 remains above the low threshold. If the pressure in the vapor expansion chamber 3 falls below the low threshold, the heating element 31 is electrically powered again. As a variant, the control means 7 may in particular comprise a temperature sensor arranged for measuring the temperature inside the vapor expansion chamber 3, in order to control the power supply of the heating element 31 and / or to control a solenoid valve to regulate the pressure inside the vapor expansion chamber 3. A safety valve 8 may be provided for communicating the vapor expansion chamber 3 with the outside in case overpressure. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the safety valve 8 is mounted on the cover 20.

The apparatus according to the invention operates and is used in the following manner: The user lifts the lid 20 to fill the water tank 30 and place the food in the enclosure 2. The user can arrange the food in the receptacle 40 in place in the chamber 2. The user can also place in the chamber 2 the receptacle 40 containing the food. If desired the user can place the food on the perforated support 50 disposed in the receptacle 40.

After closing the chamber 2 by lowering the lid 20, the user can operate the device. The heating element 31 is then electrically powered. The steam production device 1 begins to produce steam which is directed in the vapor expansion chamber 3 on the one hand, and in the chamber 2 by the opening or openings 5. 5 steam progressively fills the vapor expansion chamber 3. The vapor present in the vapor expansion chamber 3 tends to deform the confinement wall 4 towards the enclosure 2. The vapor admitted into the enclosure 2 through the opening or openings of the admission 5 tends to expel the air present in the chamber 2 by the or the discharge openings 6, as shown in Figure 10. The containment wall 4 deformed towards the chamber 2 closes the first or the evacuation openings 6, reaching the sealing ring 35. The confinement wall 4 deformed towards the chamber 2 then closes the inlet opening or openings 5, reaching the upper portion of the receptacle 40. The confinement wall 4 deformed towards the enclosure 2 comes to wrap the upper part of The food placed in the chamber 2, which improves the heat transfer between the containment wall 4 heated by the steam present in the vapor expansion chamber 3 and the food present in the chamber 2. As the pressure to the interior of the vapor expansion chamber 3 remains below the high threshold, the heating element 31 remains electrically powered. This operating phase is a preheating phase, or phase of rise in temperature. When the pressure inside the vapor expansion chamber 3 exceeds the high threshold, the power supply of the heating element 31 is cut off until the pressure inside the expansion chamber Steam 3 reverts below the low threshold and then reestablishes until the pressure inside the vapor expansion chamber 3 returns above the high threshold and so on. This other operating phase is a heating and / or cooking phase, or regulation phase, using the pressure prevailing inside the vapor expansion chamber 3 to control the supply. electric heating element 31. Controlling the vapor pressure in the vapor expansion chamber 3 avoids exerting too much pressure on the food. When the perforated support 50 is used, the cooking juices can be collected in the juice recovery space 45 of the receptacle 40. When the desired cooking and / or heating time of the food is reached, the power supply of the heating element 31 is interrupted. This interruption can be performed manually by the user or automatically by a timer or by a cooking program. The user can then open the chamber 2 to remove the heated and / or cooked food. If desired, the user can grasp the receptacle 40 by the handles 41 extending outside the apparatus, and remove it from the apparatus, to prevail on the table.

As a variant, the confinement wall 4 is not necessarily made entirely of resiliently deformable flexible material. The containment wall 4 may be at least partially made of resiliently deformable flexible material. In particular, the containment wall 4 may comprise at least one rigid part, and / or several parts or portions of different rigidity.

As a variant, the confinement wall 4 does not necessarily have a concave rest position relative to the enclosure 2. The confinement wall 4 may in particular have a rest position at least partially concave with respect to the enclosure 2 The containment wall 4 can also come into contact with the food present in the chamber 2 before the steam is admitted into the vapor expansion chamber 3. Alternatively, the juice recovery space 45 of the receptacle 40 is not necessarily annular.

As a variant, the receptacle 40 is not necessarily removable relative to a main body 10.

Alternatively, the steam generator 1 does not have necessarily a heating element 31 arranged in the bottom of a water tank 30. The steam generating device 1 may in particular comprise a boiler, tubular or not, fed by a water tank, if desired by means of a pump, the boiler comprising or being associated with a heating element.

Alternatively, the steam generator 1 is not necessarily arranged in the main body 10. The steam generating device 1 may in particular be arranged in the lid 20.

Alternatively, the heating of the receptacle 40 is not necessarily provided by the steam generator 1. In particular, the device for producing steam 1 is not necessarily arranged under the receptacle 40. The device for producing steam 1 may for example be arranged laterally with respect to the chamber 2, if desired in the main body 10.

Preferably, the heating of the receptacle 40 is provided by an electric heating device independent of the steam generating device 1. The electric heating device may include an electric heating element arranged under the receptacle 40. The electric heating element may for example be attached under the receptacle 40, or belong to an electric heating plate carrying the removable receptacle 40.

Alternatively, the veneer of the containment wall 4 on the food disposed in the receptacle 40 is not necessarily provided solely by the steam admitted into the vapor expansion chamber 3. The veneer of the containment wall 4 on food disposed in the receptacle 40 may in particular be provided at least in part by a pump used to inflate the vapor expansion chamber 3, and / or to suck the air present in the chamber 2. These provisions allow to to overcome the condensation phenomena in the vapor expansion chamber 3 and provide a better veneer of the containment wall 4 on the food disposed in the receptacle 40. The pump can in particular be arranged in the main body 10, or be carried by the cover 20.

Alternatively, the inlet opening or openings 5 are not necessarily arranged in the receptacle 40. The inlet opening or openings 5 may in particular be arranged between the receptacle 40 and the cover 20, or in the cover 20. As a variant, the enclosure 2 does not necessarily have an inlet opening 5.

Alternatively, the cover 20 is not necessarily pivotally mounted relative to the main body 10 along a horizontal axis. The lid 20 may in particular be placed on the main body 10, in particular when the steam production device 1 is arranged in the lid 20.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and its variants, but encompasses many modifications within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food, comprising an enclosure (2) comprising a receptacle (40) and a lid (20), and a steam generating device (1), characterized in that the lid (20) carries a vapor expansion chamber (3) supplied with steam by the steam generating device (1), in that the vapor expansion chamber (3) has a containment wall (4) delimiting a part of the enclosure (2), and in that the confinement wall (4) is movable relative to the receptacle (40) when the lid (20) closes the enclosure (2).

Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to claim 1, characterized in that the confinement wall (4) is at least partially made of elastically deformable flexible material.

Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to claim 2, characterized in that the containment wall (4) has a rest position at least partially retracted inside the lid.

Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receptacle (40) carries a removable perforated support (50) and has a juice recovery space (45) arranged below a perforated portion (51) of the perforated support (50).

Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lid (20) carries a sealing ring (35) bearing on an upper edge (42) of the receptacle (40). ).

6. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receptacle (40) is worn. by a main body (10).

7. Appliance for cooking and / or heating food according to claim 6, characterized in that the receptacle (40) is removable relative to the main body (10). 8. Appliance for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the cover (20) is mounted movable relative to the main body (10) between a raised position for the establishment food in the receptacle (40) or removing the food from the receptacle (40) and a lowered position for cooking and / or heating the food disposed in the receptacle (40).

9. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the steam generating device (1) is arranged in the main body (10).

An apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the steam generating device (1) comprises a water reservoir (30) associated with a heating element (31). ).

1 1. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to claim 10, characterized in that the bottom of the receptacle (40) has an elevated portion (43) extending above the heating element (31).

12. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to claims 4 and 1 1, characterized in that the perforated support (50) has a non-perforated portion (52) arranged above the heating element (31).

13. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the enclosure (2) has at least one inlet opening (5) communicating with the steam generating device (1) for injecting steam into the enclosure (2).

An apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to claim 13, characterized in that the inlet opening (s) (5) are arranged in the receptacle (40).

15. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the containment wall

(4) displaced by the steam present in the vapor expansion chamber (3) can occupy at least one position closing the inlet opening (s) (5).

16. Apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the enclosure (2) has at least one discharge opening (6) communicating with the outside of the apparatus.

17. Appliance for cooking and / or heating food according to claims 5 and 16, characterized in that the or the discharge openings (6) are arranged in the sealing ring (35).

An apparatus for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the containment wall (4) displaced by the steam in the vapor expansion chamber (3) can occupy at least one position closing the evacuation opening (s) (6).

19. Appliance for cooking and / or heating food according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises control means (7) for controlling the steam production of the steam production device (1). depending on the vapor pressure prevailing in the vapor expansion chamber (3).